The first four games of the women’s Division III tournament are scheduled for this Saturday on campus sites.
Those four winners advance to the Frozen Four next weekend at the home of the highest seed.
Check out Candace’s and Matt’s picks below to find out where the semifinals and finals may be held.
No. 6 Trinity at No. 2 Elmira
Candace: I like the Bantams a lot, but Elmira will be totally up for this game, especially after getting spanked by Plattsburgh last week. Elmira 2-1
Matt: While upsets do happen this time of year, it won’t be this game. I just can’t see Elmira losing, especially after such a dominant regular season that saw the Soaring Eagles ranked No. 1 for a stretch. Elmira 4-1.
No. 4 Norwich at No. 5 Middlebury
Candace: The most interesting first-round game on tap, IMO. Both Vermont teams. Middlebury won a close one last month, and I think the Panthers do again. Middlebury 2-1
Matt: Very. Intriguing. Matchup. Two very similar teams with similar players and statistics. Does that all go out the window here and one team routs the other? Nah. I’ll say Middlebury, 3-2 in overtime with Jessica Young getting the winner.
St. Thomas at No. 1 Plattsburgh
Candace: I had thought Plattsburgh looked a little vulnerable down the stretch, then the Cardinals crushed Elmira, so I don’t see anybody getting in their way. Plattsburgh 4-1
Matt: Plattsburgh is No. 1 in the country for a reason, but can be beaten. Problem for St. Thomas is that it won’t happen here. This may be the lone romp of the tournament. Plattsburgh 5-0, and the Cardinals will host the semifinals and championship final.
No. 8 Lake Forest at No. 3 Wisconsin-River Falls
Candace: Lake Forest went on a nice run to make the NCAA tournament, but it ends here. Wis.-River Falls 3-1
Matt: Wis.-River Falls hasn’t lost in, like, forever. Lake Forest surprised us all by winning the NCHA tournament, but won’t surprise UWRF in this game. Wis.-River Falls 4-2
